A Guide to Part-Time Jobs

What Classes as Part-Time Work?

Given that each type of employment status has different legal rights, as well as different responsibilities – above all, for tax and National Insurance – it’s important to have a good understanding of what part-time work actually is.

There is no actual fixed number of hours you need to work above or below in order to be classed as part-time. However, as a general rule, full-time workers work 35 hours or more a week, with most employers believing 20 hours a week to be part-time.

Similarly, there is no fixed rule for how you fit your hours into a week; whether you work for just two hours a day or for two full days a week, you will still be classed as a part-time worker.

Benefits of Working Part-Time

Working part-time rather than full-time can have a number of advantages. For instance, you may want to consider working on a part-time basis if;

• You want to balance your work with studies. As a full-time student, you will also be exempt from paying tax on your part-time earnings.
• You have family responsibilities. However, if you are receiving child or carer benefits, be sure to check how many hours you are allowed to work each week and still quality for these. Check out the DirectGov website or seek specialist help if in any doubt.
• You want to enjoy a better work-life balance. For instance, many people, once they are financially comfortable, switch to part-time work in order to spend more time with their families or with their hobbies.
• You are staggering your retirement. Taking on a part-time job can also help keep you active and provide a valuable source of income once you pass the age of retirement.

Your Rights as a Part-Time Worker

Though you may work fewer hours, as a part-time worker, you are still covered by the same statutory rights as any other employee, including your full-time colleagues. That is, you are not required to work a minimum number of hours each week to benefit from standard employment rights, meaning you have the right to;

Receive the same pay rights as full-time employees.

Receive comparable holiday entitlements to your full-time colleagues, though on a pro rate basis. For instance, if your full-time colleagues are given 20 days paid holiday a year and you work 18 hours a week, you are entitled to 10 days paid holiday.

Take advantage of any in-house career break schemes or parental leave schemes available to your full-time colleagues.

Enjoy the same access to training opportunities and promotions as full-time workers.

Not to be treated differently to full-time colleagues, for example by being singled out when redundancies are being made.

Not to be forced to take on full-time hours.

To be given a reasonable notice period.

Finding Part-Time Jobs

As with all jobs, there are a number of ways to go about finding part-time positions, though your luck may depend on where in the country you are searching, with big cities such as London likely to have far more opportunities than smaller towns and villages.

In London

As a business and commerce hub, and a 24-hour city to boot, London is easily the best place in the UK to look for part-time jobs. Not only are there more jobs available, but employers are much more likely to be flexible when it comes to working hours, for example by allowing you to job share or fit your work around study or family commitments. Top tips for finding part-time jobs in London include;

Going Online: The internet is a great place to find thousands of new opportunities, both full-time and part-time, across a wide range of sectors. Bring your CV up to date and get applying, though don’t be tempted to apply for full-time positions unless an employer specifically states they are willing to consider a job share.

Using an Agency: London is home to dozens of employment agencies, ranging from the more general such as Office Angels, Reed and Brooke Street to the more-specific, such as Harris Hill for the third sector or Edison Hill for IT careers. Consultants will be well-used to finding part-time or temporary positions, so be up-front and honest about what you are after, though you may have to be prepared to be flexible.

Using Your Initiative: London is still a place where you can walk into an establishment and come out with a part-time job. So, consider dressing smartly and dropping your CV off in branches of some of the biggest high street employers such as Pret-a-Manger, McDonalds or any of the hundreds of pubs, bars and restaurants the capital boasts.

Elsewhere in the UK

Finding part-time work outside of London may be tougher, but it’s not necessarily that difficult, particularly if you are willing to be flexible about the type of work you will do. As above, make use of recruitment agencies and let their consultants do the work for you, and also make use of online jobs boards.

Further Reading

• Check out the latest part-time job vacancies in your area with the our online job centre.
• Remember, when replying to an advertised vacancy your covering letter is your first point of contact. Read our guide to writing a great cover letter to ensure you make a great impression.
• If you think you are being treated unfairly at work due to your part-time status, contact ACAS for advice on getting the issue resolved.